Workshop I

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Tech Exploration Workshop I: Google+


Original Dates of Live Workshop: August 15 - 31, 2011
High-tech Industry Area: Collaboration and Communication
Education Area: Collaborative Learning and Communication

Before starting:
Please CLICK HERE to complete a brief survey so that we can get a feel for who is participating in and benefiting from our training.



Click on the arrow on the Voki above and throughout this Tech Exploration to hear instructions.

Scenario




Overview


In this workshop you will create a Google+ account and explore ways you might use Google+ or other similar applications in the classroom. You will also consider ways students may already be using this type of technology and what type of pedagogy teachers might use when working with students on their communication skills. Finally, you will design a student-driven activity for students to gain experience and an understanding of communication and writing using today's technology.



Tool Introduction


Google+ makes connecting on the web more like connecting in the real world. Communication with your contacts can be controlled by forming Circles, so that your thoughts and photos can be shared with all of your connections or only certain people (family, professional colleagues, students, etc.). Below you will learn how to set up your Google+ account and start using this application.

Learn about Google+
  • Click here to read an overview about Google+.
  • Click here for a more in depth look at Google+. Read Introducing the Google+ Project: Real-life sharing, rethought for the web and watch the associated videos.
  • Click here to read 40 Google+ Tips for Newbies.




Activity #1


Step 1: Set up a Google+ account.
  1. Sign in to your Google account and click on '+You.' (often under the 'more' dropdown menu).
  2. If you do not already have a Google account, click here to create one, then go back to #1 above.

Step 2: Explore Google+. Click on the links below to learn how to set up your Google+ page.

Step 3: After creating your Google+ page and personal Circles, be sure to create a Circle to start networking with your peers. A Colleagues or Technology in Education Circle can serve as an excellent venue for sharing ideas.
  • Encourage your colleagues at work and other educators you know to connect with you through your Technology in Education Circle.
  • If you would like to be included in other Tech Explorations participant's Circles, you may also post the url to your Google+ page on the Discussion tab at the top of this page, under the 'Post Your Google+ Page Here' link.

Step 4: Start to explore the possibilities for Google+ in education by accessing the resources below.

Circle Me Up: Exploring Circles in Google+
Google+: Building (or Re-Building Your PLN)
Google+ and Education
New Possibilities with Google+ for Education
What does Google+ Mean for Schools?
10 ways to use Google+ in the classroom
Educators: Google+ is for You
27 Ways to (possibly) use Google+ to Support Learning

Webinar Archive

Click here to access the archived Google+ webinar. This webinar was held to provide support for creating your Google+ page.
  1. When you open the link you will see a blank Blackboard Collaborate screen.
  2. To play the video, go to the menu and select Playback --- Player --- Play.
  3. The archived webinar will begin playing.

Reflect and Share


After creating a Google+ account and exploring the possibilities in education, post a reflection on your Google+ Stream about thoughts and ideas for your own classroom with Google+ or similar Web 2.0 applications. Request comments or suggestions from colleagues in your professional Circles.

Activity #2


Step 1: Get to know Google+ Hangout. Find the link to Google+ Hangout on the right column of your Google+ page. Begin exploring Google+ Hangout by clicking on the following links.

Step 2: Using the format in this Google Presentation http://goo.gl/84jys, plan a student-driven activity to help students develop their communication skills for the workplace. Communication skills should be specific to the needs of the workplace/industry in your content area. Collaborate and share activity development ideas with colleagues in your own Google+ Circles using Google+ Hangout.

Step 3: Once you have an activity planned, add your ideas to the Google Presentation http://goo.gl/84jys by selecting one of the slides with a blank template. This slide presentation is a collaborative document so others taking this workshop may be adding their ideas and information. Only edit the slide that you have selected for your ideas, unless of course you are co-publishing with a peer or a peer asked you to proofread and edit their slide. (We encourage all of the above in the spirit of collaboration.)



Reflect and Share


Post a reflection on your Google+ Stream about your experience with this massive open online workshop design or the activity ideas you and/or your colleagues presented and discussed at a Google+ Hangout.

Evaluation


Thank you for your participation in ATLAST Tech Exploration Workshop I. Your participation and feedback is very valuable to us.

Please complete the online survey at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/RM666MF to let us know how you feel about this professional development experience.

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